The following table shows the number of bird species found on an island of area $A$ square miles that is part of a particular Pacific island chain. $$\begin{array} { | l | l | l | l | l | l | }
\hline A = \text { area } & 10 & 20 & 30 & 40 & 50 \
\hline \begin{array} { l }
W = \text { number } \
\text { of species }
\end{array} & 25 & 31 & 36 & 39 & 42 \
\hline
\end{array}$$ Calculate the average rate of change in the number of species as the area changes from 20 to 30 square miles.
A) 0.76 species per square mile
B) 36 species per square mile
C) 0.5 species per square mile
D) None of the above

Question

The following table shows the number of bird species found on an island of area $A$ square miles that is part of a particular Pacific island chain. $$\begin{array} { | l | l | l | l | l | l | } 
\hline A = \text { area } & 10 & 20 & 30 & 40 & 50 \
\hline \begin{array} { l } 
W = \text { number } \
\text { of species }
\end{array} & 25 & 31 & 36 & 39 & 42 \
\hline
\end{array}$$ Calculate the average rate of change in the number of species as the area changes from 20 to 30 square miles.
A) 0.76 species per square mile
B) 36 species per square mile
C) 0.5 species per square mile
D) None of the above

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average rate of change in the number of species per square mile is given by:

$$\frac{\text{change in number of species}}{\text{change in area}} = \frac{W_{30}-W_{20}}{30-20} = \frac{36-31}{10} = \frac{5}{10} = 0.5$$

Therefore, the answer is C) 0.5 species per square mile.

The Following Table Shows the Number of Bird Species Found AAA

The Following Table Shows the Number of Bird Species Found $A$